BIS 2025 BY THE NUMBERS
0+
Attendees & Registrations
0
Countries Represented
0
Successful B2B/B2G Meetings
0+
Dedicated Support Team
0
BIS App Downloads
0
Website Engagement Activities
Day 1: Wendnesday, September 03, 2025
Welcome Cocktail highlights
Welcome to the Belize Investment Summit 2025 (BIS 2025)!
Under the theme: "Bridging Markets, Building Resilience”
Day 2: Thursday, September 04, 2025
Opening Ceremony Higlights
Opening Remarks
Bridging Markets: Belize’s Strategic Investment Readiness in a Changing Global Economy
Narda Garcia, CEO, Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Investment & Civil Aviation
BIS Review: The Blueprint & Beyond
Ishmael Quiroz, Executive Director, BELTRAIDE
Guest Speaker Address
Navigating the New Global Trade Era – Belize’s Strategic Role in Regionalization
Dr. Ernesto Stein, Professor at Tecnológico de Monterrey
Guest Speaker Address
Redefining the Luxury Experience
Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman, Sandals Resorts International
Keynote Address
Belize’s Economic Transformation –The Road Ahead for Investments in Belize
Honourable John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize & Minister of Finance, Economic Transformation, Investment, Civil Aviation, and Immigration
Presentation
Gateway to Growth: Strategic Developments in Belize's Port
Ambassador Daniel Gutierrez, Project Execution Unit, Port of Belize Expansion & Modernization Project
Ministerial Panel Discussion
Investment Readiness: Connectivity, Competitiveness, and Cross-Border Opportunity
A high-level look at Belize’s top investment sectors and how regional integration with CARICOM, Central America, and Southeastern Mexico is unlocking new trade and investment opportunities. Ministers will highlight reforms, infrastructure, and policies aimed at boosting investor confidence and economic resilience.
Moderator: Narda Garcia, CEO, Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Investment & Civil Aviation
Panelists:
Hon. Christopher Coye, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance
Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise
Dr. Osmond Martinez, Minister of State in the Ministry of Economic Transformation
Hon. Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture and Immigration
Fireside Chat
PPP Pathways: Advancing Infrastructure, Investment, and Sustainability in Belize
This fireside chat explores how public-private partnerships (PPPs) can serve as a catalyst for Belize’s sustainable growth and competitiveness. Presenters will discuss innovative models for financing and delivering infrastructure, the role of PPPs in unlocking private capital, and strategies to balance development with sustainability.
Hon. Christopher Coye, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance
Ronke Ogunsulire, Manager, English-Speaking Caribbean, IFC
Denis Leduc, Senior PPP Specialist & Coordinator for Central America, Mexico, Panama, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic (CID)
Investor Presentation
Why We Chose Belize: An Investor's Perspective
Dr. Fernando Gonzalez, General Manager, Cementos Progreso Belize Ltd.
Fireside Chat
Flip the Script with Adam Stewart
In this dynamic and unscripted session, the tables are turned as Belize’s top tourism stakeholders take the lead in questioning one of the Caribbean’s most influential hospitality leaders. Representatives from the BTB, the BHA, and the Ministry of Tourism, Youth, Sports & Diaspora Relations will engage Mr. Stewart in a frank, forward-looking dialogue on regional investment, sustainable tourism, brand building, and what it really takes to scale a world-class destination.
Adam Stewart CD, HON LLD., Executive Chairman, Sandals Resorts International
Nicole Usher, Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Tourism, Youth, Sports and Diaspora Relations
Evan Tillett, Director of Tourism, Belize Tourism Board
Reynaldo Malik, President, Belize Hotel Association
Presentation: Rhythms & Realities: Powering Growth through Belize's Orange Economy
Emilio Thomas, Musician and Arts & Cultural Practitioner, Project Inebesei
Activity: So I have a Business
This fast paced pitch activity creates a platform for businesses to share their business or idea openly in front of a live audience, with the hope of attracting mentorship, collaboration, or investment interest from attendees.
Panel Discussion
The Export Compass Value Chain Creation
This panel will explore how Belizean businesses can strengthen their value chains to become export-ready focusing on supplier linkages, quality improvement, market access, and regional integration.
Moderator: Nikita Usher, Sr. Human Resource Manager, ASR Group Belize Sugar Industries Ltd.
Panelists:
Wayne Elliot, Manager Technical Programme, Caribbean Export Development Agency
David Cabrera, Executive Director, CENPROMYE
Andy Sutherland, Director, Directorate General for Foreign Trade, Ministry of Foreign Trade
Fireside Chat
CARICOM Climate Resilience Fund
The discussion centers around the CCRF's deployment of capital into small and medium-sized enterprises and projects throughout the Caribbean region that support mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
Dr. Lavern McFarlane, Senior Economist, CARICOM Development Fund
Dr. Leroy Almendarez, Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy & Logistics
Fireside Chat
From Roots to Returns: Bridging Home and Opportunity for Diaspora Investments in Belize
Hon. Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism, Youth, Sports & Diaspora Relations
H.E. Sandhya Murphy, Ambassador, Diaspora Relations
Fireside Chat
Proximity & Advantage: Unlocking Belize's Nearshore Investment Potential
An overview of how Belize's nearshore advantage, combined with emerging investment trends, provides investors with practical benefits such as faster market access, cost efficiencies, and strategic proximity to key regional markets positioning Belize as an attractive hub for local and foreign investment.
Moderator: Ishmael Quiroz, Executive Director, BELTRAIDE
Panelists:
H.E. Jose Alpuche, Ambassador of Belize to Guatemala
H.E. Oscar Arnold, Ambassador of Belize to Mexico
Dr. Henry Canton, Ambassador for Trade to the Caribbean Community
Panel Discussion
Future-Ready: Building Belize's Workforce of Tomorrow
This panel brings together experts from the education sector, skills development institutions, and the Labor Department to explore how current education reforms and training initiatives are aligning with the demands of a rapidly evolving job market.
Moderator: Sarita Bejerano, Manager, BTEC, BELTRAIDE
Panelists:
Dr. Vincent Palacio, President, University of Belize
Jarrus Mitchell, Founder, STEM U Foundation
Risella Dominguez-Patt, Labor Commissioner, Labor Department
Dulce Baptista, Labor Markets and Social Security Senior Specialist, IDB
Presentation
Beyond Art: Investing in Belize's Orange Economy, Cultivating Creativity and Economic Growth
Discussion on how targeted investments in cultural and entertainment tourism are driving Belize's creative sector, fostering innovation, and generating new economic avenues.
Moderator: David Smith, Owner, In Awe Films, Disruptor of the Year 2024 Awardee
Panelists:
Kim Vasquez, Director, National Institute for Culture & History
Carlo Habet, Film Commissioner, Belize Film Industry
Ivan Duran, Owner, Stonetree Records
Day 3: Friday, September 05, 2025
Welcome and Overview of the Day's Activities
Ministerial Address: Belize, the Nexus of CARICOM, Central America, and Southeastern Mexico in a new global trade era.
An address highlighting Belize's strategic geographical position and its role in fostering trade and investment across the region.
Speaker: Hon. Francis Fonseca, Minister, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture & Immigration
Presentation
Advancing Public Infrastructure to Bolster Investments in Belize
The second part of the panel discussion focused on key strategies for enhancing public infrastructure to create a more favorable investment climate.
Speaker: Hon. Louis Zabaneh, Minister, Indigenous Constitution & Religious Affairs & Transport
Ministerial Panel Discussion
Advancing Public Infrastructure to Bolster Investments in Belize
Discussion on Belize’s priority industries and investment outlook, highlighting opportunities from new trade tariffs and how the government is supporting investor needs through infrastructure and policy
Moderator: Narda Garcia, CEO, Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Investment & Civil Aviation
Panelists:
Hon. Louis Zabaneh, Minister, Indigenous Constitution & Religious Affairs & Transport
Hon. Orlando Habet , Minister, Sustainable Development, Climate Change & Disaster Risk Management
Presentation
Belize’s Digital Leap
This presentation showcases how Belize’s e-Governance simplifies business by cutting paperwork, speeding approvals, and boosting transparency.
Speaker: Jose Urbina, Chief Executive Officer, E-Governance
Fireside Chat
Investing in Uncertainty: Trusting Your Choice in Belize
This session will explore how Belize is proactively creating a stable and favorable investment environment, even amid global uncertainty. Through forward-looking policies, regulatory reforms, and targeted incentives, Belize is strengthening investor confidence, mitigating risks, and positioning itself as a secure destination for longterm investment.
Moderator: Monique Usher, Deputy Executive, BELTRAIDE
Panelists:
Ishmael Quiroz, Executive Director, BELTRAIDE
Lincoln Blake , Director, Investment Policy & Compliance Unit
Panel Discussion
From Farm to Global Feast: Unearthing Investment Opportunities in Belize’s Agro-Processing Sector
Agriculture & Agri-Tech: Modernizing the Sector for Export & Sustainability
Moderator: William Usher, Belize Chamber of Commerce Representative
Panelists:
Hugh O'Brien Sr. Advisor, Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security & Enterprise
Omaira Avila Rostant, Resident Representative, CARDI
Michael Bowen CEO, Bowen & Bowen Ltd
Pancho Braun, CEO, BEL-CAR Export & Import Company Ltd.
Fireside Chat
Resilient Futures: Empowering Belizean Entrepreneurs in Global Shifts
This fireside chat brings together institutional expertise and entrepreneurial insight to explore how Belizean businesses can adapt and thrive amidst external shocks, and navigate export challenges to strengthening operational agility and innovation.
Speakers:
Jolie Pollard, Founder & Formulator, Ikooma & Great Blue Entrepreneur of the Year
Jorge Gentle, Manager, Small Business Development Center (SBDCBelize), BELTRAIDE
Sponsor Presentation
A presentation of EU European Partnership Agreement and what the EU market offers to Belizean Exporters
Speaker: Arkadiusz Szymanski, Trade Expert, European Union
Panel Discussion
Financing your Investments II
Key financial institutions, development banks, and private equity leaders explore the range of financing options available for investors in Belize.
Moderator: Giacomo Sanchez, President, Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Panelists:
Dyon Elliot, General Manager, National Bank of Belize
Rudolfo Carcamo, Corporate Relationship Manager, Atlantic Bank
Presentation
Powering Progress: Advancing Belize’s Energy Future for Sustainable Growth
A presentation on Belize’s vision for a modern, reliable, and sustainable energy sector that supports investment and national growth.
Speaker: Ryan Cobb, Director, The Belize Energy Unit
Orange Economy Feature
HANDBAGS & HANDICRAFTS: Creativity, Craftsmanship, and Commerce in Belize’s Orange Economy
In this intimate fireside chat, two of Belize’s most inspiring creatives share their journeys of turning raw talent and cultural heritage into globally appealing brands. The discussion will explore how Belizean creatives are tapping into the Orange Economy, navigating challenges in production and export, and redefining what “Made in Belize” means on the world stage.
Emilio Perera, Creative Director, Perera’s Studio
Khadija Assales, Owner, Kaj Expression
Presentation
Capital Without Borders: New Avenues for Investment in Belize
This presentation highlights the Financial Services Commission’s initiatives to enhance regulatory frameworks, promote financial innovation, and expand cross-border investment opportunities that contribute to Belize’s sustainable economic growth.
Claude B.F. Haylock, Director General & Deputy Chairman, Financial Services Commission
Panel Discussion
Aqua Futures: Catalyzing Investments for Sustainable Prosperity
This panel explores how Belize is leveraging its world-renowned Blue Economy and protected areas to drive sustainable development, climate resilience, and inclusive economic growth. Panelists will also highlight Belize’s pioneering efforts in marine protection, debt-for-nature swaps, and blue bonds as tools for unlocking capital while preserving natural heritage.
Moderator: Valdemar Andrade, Executive Director, TASA
Panelists:
Leandra Cho-Ricketts, Executive Director, The Belize Fund for Sustainable Future
Beverly Wade, CEO, Blue Economy & Marine Conservation
Abil Castañeda, Executive Director, Protected Areas Conservation Trust
Panel Discussion
Next-Generation Digital Services
Explore the strategic advantages, investment opportunities, and evolving service offerings in Belize’s growing Global Digital Service sector and how they are moving up the global chain.
Moderator: Carmen Sosa, Interim Executive Director, Economic Development Council
Panelists:
David Ahuja, Tech Forge
Yoni Epstein, Founding Chairman & CEO, Itel
Tony Arzu, Acting President, BPO Association
Shantay Riley, Director of Partnership & Growth, Acquity BPO
So I have a Business
This fast paced pitch activity creates a platform for businesses to share their business or idea openly in front of a live audience, with the hope of attracting mentorship, collaboration, or investment interest from attendees.
Panel Discussion
Capturing New Global Markets and Redefining the Luxury Experience.
This presentation will explore how Belize, with its unique cultural heritage, pristine environment, and emerging industries, can position itself as a premier destination for discerning global markets.
Moderator: Dustin Rennie, Regional Director RE/MAX Belize
Panelists:
Gustavo Giron, Managing Director, Astrum Helicopters
Scott McArdle, General Manager, Alaia Belize
Andres Madrigal, Manager, Development, Caribbean & Latin America, Marriott International
Fireside Chat
Banking on Belize: How Financial Stability & Compliance Drive Growth & Investment
This session will explore the critical role of financial stability in Belize’s economic development, examining how a robust banking sector attracts investment and fosters sustainable growth.
Moderator: Kareem Michael, Governor, Central Bank of Belize
Panelists:
Reynaldo Magana, Chairman, Finance Belize
Filippo Alario , Chairman & CEO, Belize Bank Ltd. & President, Belize Bankers Association
Panel Discussion
Unlocking Venture Capital in the Caribbean
This panel explores how Belize can join the Caribbean’s growing venture capital ecosystem by learning from regional examples and leveraging tools from the IDB Lab to support early-stage innovation and inclusive growth.
Moderator: Mr. Derick Conorqui, Project Coordinator, Institute of Banking and Finance, University of Belize
Panelists:
Simon Johnson, Private Finance Senior Specialist, Venture Capital Investment Unit, IDB Lab
Aniela Bartolozzi,Impact & Investment Readiness Lead, Alterna
Presentation
On Partnerships and Possibilities
Exploring current PPPs and opportunities for PPP development in Belize including San Pedro North Plan, Tren Maya, Admin Complex, Road Network
Speaker: Sandra Cuello, Director, Public Private Partnership Unit
Ambassadors’ Fireside Chat
Global Bridges: The Ambassadors’ Perspective on Belize’s Growth Path
An overview of how Belize’s nearshore advantage, combined with emerging investment trends, provides investors with practical benefits such as faster market access, cost efficiencies, and strategic proximity to key regional markets positioning Belize as an attractive hub for local and foreign investment.
Speakers:
H.E. Alistair White, High Commissioner, British High Commission
H.E. Lily Li-wen Hsu, Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan)
Katharine Beamer, Chargé d’Affaires, USA
Presentation
Closing the Gap Through Strategic Investments
A presentation on IDB opportunities in Belize & other strategic accomplishments.
Speaker: Elizabeth Robberechts, Managing Director, Infrastructure and Energy, IDBInvest
Presentation
Global Gateway Investment Agenda & Belize
This presentation highlights how the EU’s Global Gateway Investment Agenda can open new opportunities for Belize through sustainable investment, connectivity, and partnerships that drive innovation, growth, and long-term collaboration.
Speaker: Xavier Canton-Lamousse, Head of Office, European Union (Delegation of the European Union to Jamaica, Belize, the Bahamas)